Welcome, Light... there are some amazing people here. I so relate to the breakup issues... sounds like the same thing I have been going through . I sought help when the loss affected me so severely I spiraled from mania to severe depression. And am again, on meds. I had been on depakote years ago, and gained alot of weight. I weaned off that, along with the medication called effexor(which had been causing the seizures ) I have tried several medications, as many here have.. it takes time for many of these meds to aquire the maximum effect.,and I had to choose the lesser of the two evils. There are side effects to many meds that we muddle through, waiting. Talk with your about the side effects.. there may be something different they can try., or something to accompany those meds to decrease undesired side effects... please be patient ... I know that sucks, but be diligent in taking care of you, and five yourself time to adjust to changes...
Hope you find what works...
((( You)))

Hi Light,
I was diagnosed last September.
To me the diagnosis explained my entire life.
My moods and behavior.
Had only been treated for severe depression.
Hang in there while your PDoc and Therapist and YOU work together to get the right meds/dosages.
It's hit and miss for awhile.
Just keep an open dialogue about what is going on with your symptoms and make notes if you need to.
The stressers in life I think are one of our biggest obstacles with bp. My Buspar helps me through those (anxiety attacks).
Hang in there.

Welcome, and as others said, hang in there! I am living proof that you can have a great life with this darned disorder. Like you, shortly after my diagnosis many years ago, I had a horrible, painful break-up. At least for me (don't know your situation), while it was awfrul at the time and took a few years to get over, it's now been over 20 years, and I have been happily married to a fabulous person for the past 15. I ocassionally run into my ex and am so glad we DIDN't stay together. That's not to say that you will end up feeling this way, but hopefully you will get the help you need from your doctor. Finding the right meds for you can be a huge challenge, but don't give up! Best wishes! You can make it! Really!

It can take quite some time to find stability as well as the right med regime for you... Many of us have to try different med combo's to find the right combo for us us..
A lot of the ant psychotics have weight gain unfortunately as a side effect unfortunately ... It's a big struggle for me as well as
and some of them have hair loss
Google side effects of the meds you're on and if there are some effects like hair loss that are really upsetting to you discuss it with your doctor
Welcome!!

Welcome Moonlight. I was diagnosed alittle over a year ago. I had all the symptoms for years and they just got worse and worse over time. There were times I really wished I wasn't on this earth. I found a pdoc and therapist and they are responsible for all the work I've done and I am still doing. Med's, argh! I have had to play quite a bit to find what currently seems to be the right combo. Do I feel normal yet, no. But you have a new normal begining. And remember that you may feel better, but there could be several triggers that may set you back alittle and just cause you feel better, never, never stop your meds. This is a great community so just lean on us.

Thank you for your feedback everyone! It's helpful to know that their is a supportive community to lean on and seek advice from.